Customs Reforms in Armenia Harm Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Press

Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper reports that following Hovhannes Hovsepyan’s appointment as the head of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee, so-called “cargo” operations have been discontinued resulting in a shortage of some imported goods.

“So far it has only touched the wholesale market, but if this situation persists for another 20-30 days, [the issue] might move to retail. We’re talking about household equipment, gadgets, and clothing.

“The thing is, cargo – for a certain fee and thanks to ‘cooperation’ with the Customs Service – used to clear imports through customs based on their total weight, whereas now, the Service clears each of the goods individually and for sky-high duty rates. After such customs clearance, small and medium-sized businesses have no chance of competing with large and shady businesses. Therefore, small and medium-sized importers have temporarily discontinued their operations,” the daily writes.